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| Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and flammable gas at room temperature. The gas forms during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels containing carbon, such as oil or coal. It is used for production purposes in metals and organic compounds. It is also an extremely dangerous gas because it inhibits the transport of oxygen to the blood. | ||
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Fundamentals >Enviro-Info Graduate Study Mortgage 101 Investments 101 |
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| > Class Topics Fundamentals • Sellers' Corner • Buyers' Corner • Enviro-Info > Asbestos > Carbon Monoxide > Carbon Monoxide > Gas Spillage > Flood Hazards > Formaldehyde > Lead Based Paint > Lead Pipes > Landfills > Masonite > Mold > Nitric Oxide > Ozone > PAH's > Polybutylene Pipe > Radon > Septic Tanks > Straight Piping > Synthetic Stucco > USTs > Urea Formaldehyde > VOC's • Agency Relationship • Other • Dictionary of Terms Graduate Study Mortgage 101 Investments 101  |
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Common Sources Inside the home, carbon monoxide buildup may occur because of a back drafting heating appliance, a faulty chimney, a gas cook stove, an unvented kerosene heater, a misfiring oil furnace, a gas-firing heat system with a cracked heat exchanger, or even cigarette smoke. Problems can also arise in the garage, where an idling car will give off the gas. There may even be significant outdoor sources causing problems, such as excessive automobile exhaust, power plants, or any other industrial work in which the burning of fossil fuels is involved. Health Effects As mentioned previously, an infestation of carbon monoxide in the home may have serious health consequences. Once inhaled, the gas melds with hemoglobin, which is a key component in carrying oxygen to red blood cells. The carbon monoxide inhibits this transport of oxygen to the blood in body tissue. Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide inhalation can include headaches, nausea, slower reaction time, decreased attention span, blurred vision, and extreme drowsiness. Once the concentration reaches a certain level in the bloodstream, comas or death by asphyxiation can occur, though these are not common occurrences. An average household may have a carbon monoxide level of 0.5 to 5 ppm (parts per million), or around 100 ppm if an unvented gas stove is being used in the house. Death is only a possibility at a level of 500 ppm, but not even common unless exposure is above 1500 ppm for over an hour of exposure. Even at these levels, reaction will vary from person to person. There have not been many studies done on long term effects of carbon monoxide, so health problems resulting from longer periods of exposure are more difficult to predict. However, as carbon monoxide is highly present in cigarette smoke, long term problems associated with cigarette smoking may result. Studies have shown that children of heavy smokers have a tendency to learn at a slower pace and may experience school-related problems. Exposure Guidelines Since, as mentioned above, studies on long term effects of CO are limited, there are only official exposure guidelines for a short term exposure to the gas. Prevention The most problematic areas in the home are usually around any fuel burning appliances, since carbon monoxide is created as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. However, the chance of problems in these areas can be greatly reduced if each fuel burning appliance has an adequate supply of combustion and make-up air. Also, getting any of these appliances serviced on a regular basis helps reduce the chance of a problem even further. Any gas cook stoves or kerosene heaters must be checked for proper ventilation. If a garage is attached to the house, further precautions may be necessary. Any and all connecting walls from the garage to the house should be checked to ensure that they have an airtight seal. Also, try not to let any cars in the garage idle for any longer than is absolutely necessary. Even if all the above problems are checked on, there is the possibility of a presence of a high CO concentration, especially if the home is stationed near a highway or major traffic area. If this is the case, filters are available for purchase which can reduce the carbon monoxide concentration by 75% in the first hour of its use. Carbon monoxide sensors are also available for purchase, which warn the homeowner when the gas's concentration reaches a predetermined level. |
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